OK I recently got a better job with more responsibility in the organization I work for. The office secretary, with whom I have been on familiar (friendly) terms for a long time, is now someone who is reporting to me. Previously we both reported to someone else. Unfortunately she has not made any mental adjustment to the new situation and doesn't take what I ask her to do very seriously. She gets quite annoyed at times and has no hesitation in showing it. (Sometimes things get pressurised at work when everything happens at once, and she may have difficulty dealing with this.) Also her timekeeping leaves something to be desired and she often leaves earlier than she is supposed to, takes long coffee breaks and wastes time chatting and on the computer during the day. She is on a work-share arrangement with another secretary--the other secretary takes work much more seriously.

The person I'm talking about is a mature woman who will probably retire in a few years. I certainly don't want to make life difficult for her by taking it up with HR, but the fact is that she is making my life difficult by her attitude. What should I do? Has anyone else had a similar problem and how did you resolve it?

(I am a guy if it makes any difference.) Thanks!

Don't take this up with HR right away. This is a person that is taking advantage of your personal relationship within the work area.

You need to have a talk with her one on one. Explain to her how you feel and why her actions make you frustrated. Tell her it's nothing personal and all business. Explain to her that your intentions are not to make her life difficult but to make things easier for the both of you. Things are better accomplished when everyone works efficiently as a team member.

If she doesn't take you seriously after that, then you only have the option to take it up to HR.

If you guys are friends I would think she should be able to respect your new position. Once she knows she is putting you at risk, she should be able to correct herself.